Proper use of oils against stretch marks: the best oil for stretch marks. How and what oil is best to use for stretch marks during pregnancy

Such a phenomenon as stretch marks or, as they are scientifically called, stretch marks - skin lesions in the form of pale pink, whitish. burgundy and purple stripes of bizarre shapes and different lengths are not signs of illness, do not cause pain, and do not harm health. They are located on the chest, stomach, and other parts of the body and do not look very aesthetically pleasing. Often occur during pregnancy. Many women strive to get rid of them or at least make them less noticeable. Oil for stretch marks during pregnancy comes to the rescue.

Why do stretch marks appear during pregnancy?

• sudden weight loss;
• pregnancy;
• hormonal imbalances in the body;
• large weight gain.

Essential oils for stretch marks during pregnancy

Essential oils:

• promote renewal of cellular composition;
• improve blood circulation;
• stimulate the body to produce its own collagen;
• eliminate small wrinkles.

Be careful when choosing a product!

It is very important that you are not allergic to the oil you purchase: apply a few drops of oil behind your ear. Wait a day. If the skin does not react in any way, then you can begin the procedures. If the skin turns even a little red, you feel itching, burning, or your health worsens, stop using this product.

Improper use of some oils can cause burns and poisoning. When exposed to sunlight, they can produce toxic substances. Try to carry out all manipulations with oils in the evening or when you are not going to leave the house. To avoid burns and poisoning, never rub pure essential oils into the skin.

If you are pregnant, do not self-medicate. Coordinate your actions with a specialist.

To dilute or not?

How to choose the right remedy for stretch marks during pregnancy?

Old stretch marks. It is much more difficult to fight them. The best remedy is considered to be olive oil, as well as wheat germ oil. It should be a base oil for mixing with other oils: lavender, tangerine. An acceptable option is a mixture of lavender and chamomile oils, taken in equal proportions.

Weleda oil created specifically to combat stretch marks and prevent them. Scars dissolve quickly because, thanks to its natural ingredients, skin cell regeneration begins as a result of the first use. Women are recommended to use it from the first weeks of pregnancy.

Coconut oil is one of the few that is absolutely guaranteed to penetrate the layers of the skin. Contains antioxidants, so it quickly restores elasticity and firmness to the skin. Use it not as part of mixtures, but separately.

Johnson's baby oil was originally intended only for children. But it has discovered its unique ability to regenerate and strengthen women's skin. It is good to use as a mixture with olive, tangerine, and apricot kernel oil.

Almond oil can saturate the skin with microelements and vitamins and relieve irritation. It can be used either separately or in combination with other components, where it is the basis. It prevents the appearance of new stretch marks and successfully fights old ones.

During pregnancy, almost all organs and systems of the expectant mother are subjected to extreme stress, and the skin is no exception. An enlarging belly, plumping breasts and rounded hips are the most common places for stretch marks to appear. Some pregnant women treat them as inevitable changes, while others try with all their might to avoid the appearance of this cosmetic defect, because becoming a mother does not mean ceasing to be a beautiful woman.

What are pregnancy stretch marks?

Stretch marks, or stretch marks, have a very specific medical name: stripe-like skin atrophy. It affects not only pregnant women, but also teenagers and even men. They appear as the body’s response to hormonal swings, some endocrine diseases, and weight changes. Genetic predisposition also plays an important role.

In pregnant women, the pregnancy hormone progesterone is involved in the appearance of stretch marks. It reduces the ability of skin cells to produce collagen and elastin - structural elements of the dermis that ensure its firmness and elasticity. When the skin is stretched for a long time, its fibers simply burst, and their place is filled with connective tissue (as in scars). Pregnancy stripes - stretch marks - at the beginning of their appearance are pinkish, then acquire a more saturated color (from dark pink to violet-purple), then gradually turn pale, but do not go away completely.

The skin is only a “mirror” of the changes occurring in the body, and not a single product used externally can prevent the appearance of stretch marks with a 100% guarantee. Advertising promises from cosmetics manufacturers to prevent the appearance of scars or get rid of existing ones are still deceit. Moreover, even using the full range of available remedies and following recommendations on diet and drinking regimen, you are not guaranteed to be protected from the occurrence of these annoying changes. And the reason for this is genetic predisposition.

In no case do I urge you to completely abandon self-care, attributing everything to genetics. I just want to warn against unjustified expectations from using this or that cosmetic product. And genetic predisposition is also very capricious: my sister, having become pregnant at the age of 25, acquired stretch marks, but I, having given birth to my first child at 39, did not... Neither she nor I gained more than the 11–12 kilograms recommended by gynecologists during pregnancy. I used skin care products very irregularly.

Can oils be used for stretch marks during pregnancy?

There is no direct ban on the use of oils to combat stretch marks, but the choice of product must be approached wisely. General properties - retaining moisture in the skin, nourishing, smoothing, increasing elasticity and firmness of the skin - are characteristic of all oils, but some components of complex mixtures may make them unsuitable for use during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.

What skin oils can you use during pregnancy?

Among the various oils for skin care during pregnancy, you can find both pure vegetable oils (liquid and solid) and cosmetic ones. All of them must be hypoallergenic and not have a potentially harmful effect on the development of the fetus and the course of pregnancy.

It is allowed to use natural liquid vegetable oils:

• sunflower;
• olive;
• corn;
• linen;
• peanut;
• castor;
• sesame;
• burdock;
• mustard;
• sea ​​buckthorn;
• almond;
• from avocado;
• from wheat germ;
• from peach, grape, watermelon, apricot seeds;
• from pumpkin seeds.

Photo gallery: the most popular liquid vegetable oils allowed during pregnancy

In ancient times, olive oil was used in all areas of life - from home life and religious rituals to sports and medicine. Peach oil will make the skin as soft as a peach. Almond oil is highly valued for its moisturizing properties. Avocado oil perfectly nourishes the skin and gently cares for it.

There are no contraindications (except for individual intolerance) for the use of solid oils (butters):

• coconut;
• cocoa;
• palm.

Photo gallery: solid vegetable oils allowed during pregnancy

Coconut oil can also be used as a sunscreen Cocoa butter increases the elasticity and firmness of the skin, slows down the aging process Shea butter takes on the consistency of ghee at room temperature Palm oil is extracted from the fruit of the Elaeis guineensis plant, known as the oil palm

The choice of cosmetic oil to prevent the appearance of stretch marks must be approached more carefully, since most of them contain essential oils - natural or synthetic (artificial).

You can prepare cosmetic oil for yourself by adding essential oil to your base (vegetable oil). Due to their high concentration, pure essential oils cannot be used unchanged for the skin - you will get irritation, redness or burns.

Some plants from which essential oils are produced contain phytoestrogens. These are substances similar in action to the female hormones estrogens, that is, they can potentially cause contraction of the smooth muscles of the uterus and lead to miscarriage or premature birth. Such plants include:

• cedar;
• mint;
• Melissa;
• fennel;
• ylang-ylang;
• rosemary;
• sage;
• ginger;
• parsley;
• thyme;
• juniper;
• chamomile;
• nutmeg;
• nayoli;
• geranium;
• incense;
• vetiver;
• star anise;
• verbena;
• rose.

Be careful with the presence of a large amount of vitamin A in the purchased oil - pure fat-soluble retinol can negatively affect the development of organs and systems of the fetus.

According to experts, the following essential oils have teratogenic properties (i.e., leading to disruption of fetal development, including death):

• common and bitter wormwood;
• rue;
• pennyroyal;
• hyssop;
• Salvia officinalis;
• lavender spica (spike lavender, spike lavender).

The following essential compounds are considered relatively safe for use during pregnancy in cosmetic oils:

• citrus fruits (in the absence of allergies);
• conifers;
• rosewood;
• bergamot;
• tea tree.

The largest producers of essential oils on the world market are Styx Naturcosmetic (Austria), Bergland-Pharma (Germany), Vivasan (Switzerland), R.Expo (India), Floressence (France), and the Russian company LECUS.

Properties and effects of oils to combat stretch marks

What happens in the skin when we apply oil for stretch marks? Main manifestations:

1. Hydration (hydration). This quality manifests itself when oils are applied to slightly damp skin. True, only the epidermis - the top layer of the skin - is moisturized; the deeper layers - the dermis (the skin itself); oils do not penetrate due to their hydrophobicity. But they prevent the evaporation of moisture from the surface of the body.
2. Acceleration of regeneration. New cells appear faster due to more active metabolism.
3. Improving blood supply and skin nutrition. This occurs due to the action of both the active components of the oils and massage movements during application.

Effect on the fetus

The use of cosmetics with essential oils in the first trimester is not recommended by experts. The placental barrier has not yet been formed; oil components from the surface of the skin enter the general bloodstream. Even the effect of aromas on the body of a pregnant woman and the fetus has been studied very little.

When and how to use oils to combat stretch marks

It is often impossible to get rid of stretch marks without the help of aggressive cosmetology (laser treatments, chemical peeling, mesotherapy). It is also impossible to prevent their occurrence with a 100% guarantee. But it is possible to minimize their manifestations with the help of skin care products, in particular, with the help of oils.

In the first trimester, the use of only pure natural vegetable oils is allowed, the top three of which are headed by olive, almond and peach (due to their high content of vitamin E).

In the second and third trimesters, you can purchase cosmetic oils containing approved essential components.

Rules of application

When purchasing oil, pay attention to:

• shelf life - if stored for too long, the composition of the oil may change for the worse;
• price - low cost should alert you, because natural ingredients are almost always expensive;
• directions for use on the label or instructions - if you choose a cosmetic oil, check when it can be used - during pregnancy or after childbirth (they have different compositions), there are also universal products;
• appearance of the product - the bottle should not contain flakes or foreign inclusions;
• aroma - the smell should not be rancid.

Before use, be sure to do an allergy test: drop 1 drop of oil on the inner surface of the elbow, wait 12 hours. If local redness, swelling, itching, or peeling appear, do not use this product.

Oil should be applied:

• on clean, damp and intact skin of problem areas (chest, thighs, abdomen);
• light massage movements (especially for the abdominal area), but not too zealously - you do not have the task of warming up the skin;
• always observing the direction of movement from the periphery to the center - along the flow of lymph (i.e. from the knees to the groin, from the center of the abdomen to the sides, from the areolas on the chest to the armpits).

For the décolleté area, try compresses by moistening a cloth with water and oil and leaving on the skin for half an hour.

Wraps are undesirable due to excessive local warming effect and increased blood circulation in the lower extremities and abdomen.

I have a sad experience of taking a bath with essential oils 10 hours after waxing. After about 3-5 minutes, I thought that the water was somehow excessively hot - the skin on my legs and thighs began to burn. A minute later I saw spotty redness - hives, all my legs were bright red. Hastily leaving the bath, I ran to the first aid kit for Loratadine. I returned to the shower and washed everything off with soap and water. For another 20 minutes I just walked around the apartment, sorry, in a negligee, since my skin was burning and itching, it was impossible to put on even a light robe. Fortunately, there was no need to call an ambulance, but I learned the science: no use of products with essential oils on damaged skin...

Table: popular oils for the prevention of stretch marks, allowed during pregnancy

Every woman cares about the condition of her skin and strives to look fresh and young at any age. But what if a cosmetic defect such as stretch marks (striae) appears on the body? Unpleasant changes can affect women of any size and age. Stretch marks appear as smooth or raised lines on the skin and most often form on the abdomen, breasts, buttocks, or thighs.

Striae come in different colors (red, white or purple), such manifestations on the skin can make even the flattest tummy and beautiful breasts unattractive. Getting rid of stretch marks is not easy; for many women, their appearance causes significant discomfort and is perceived as a significant aesthetic drawback. Let's figure out what stretch marks are, why they occur, and which oil is better and more effective to help get rid of them?

Stretch marks are a skin defect that occurs as a result of metabolic disorders in the body. The result of this problem is a deficiency of collagen and elastin, which are responsible for maintaining normal skin turgor. Elastic fibers cannot withstand tension and tear, and the resulting voids are gradually filled with connective tissue, forming unaesthetic reddish or white scars on the body.

Many people mistakenly assume that stretch marks are only for fat people. This is not true. A cosmetic defect can affect those with a slender figure and appear not only in women, but also in men. Cosmetologists identify several main reasons leading to the formation of stretch marks:

• Hormonal disorders in the body
• Sudden weight loss or, conversely, weight gain
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding period
• Genetic predisposition

The appearance of stretch marks may indicate internal distress and a lack of essential nutrients in the daily diet. Poor skin regeneration is caused by hormonal imbalances or unreasonably strict diets for weight loss. Young women of the asthenic type often face the problem of stretch marks during pregnancy, when the abdomen and breasts begin to rapidly increase in volume and the skin stretches.

The internal tension of the fibers can be so strong that they cannot withstand and break, forming stretch marks that remain on the body after childbirth. If a pregnant woman feels tingling and itching in the abdomen, chest, thighs, this indicates overstretching of the deep layers of the dermis and the formation of stretch marks. At this time, it is not too late to begin procedures that will prevent the formation of scars and help avoid an unpleasant problem.

One of the best ways to get rid of stretch marks or prevent their appearance is the use of natural oils that nourish, tone the skin, enrich it with vitamins and help restore its natural structure. Let's take a closer look at which cosmetic oil for stretch marks most effectively copes with the problem and how to use it correctly.

Oil for stretch marks: how does it work?

Cosmetologists advise using oil to prevent stretch marks. For these purposes, use basic anti-scar products such as natural olive, almond, coconut, shea and jojoba oils. Essential oils are a separate category, and the best effect is achieved by combining them with base products.

Essential oils can cause allergies, so before the first use you should apply one drop of oil to the elbow; if there is no redness or irritation of the skin, you can safely use the product to treat stretch marks.

Procedures with natural oils should be done regularly, treating the skin 2-3 times a day, then the desired effect will be achieved faster. Before applying to problem areas, a little oil is heated in the palm of your hand and rubbed into problem areas on the stomach, thighs and other parts of the body with vigorous massage movements. Oils should be applied after a shower to clean, damp skin, leaving for 5-7 minutes, and then removing excess with a soft cloth. To enhance the effect, it is recommended to mix fatty oils with essential oils. Jojoba, olive or almond oil are more suitable as a base for such mixtures.

Women carrying a child can do oil treatments from the second trimester of pregnancy. From this time on, an ever-growing belly and increasing body weight begin to have a negative effect on the condition of muscle fibers. And if you do not monitor the condition of the skin during this period, then after childbirth stretch marks will remain on a weak and flabby abdomen. Oil for stretch marks during pregnancy can be used without fear; the natural product cannot harm the unborn child or negatively affect the woman’s well-being. Let's take a closer look at the most popular oils.

Natural vegetable oils

• Olive oil. It is considered the most affordable and effective remedy for eliminating and preventing stretch marks. Olives contain a large amount of natural antioxidant - vitamin E, which rejuvenates the skin and promotes accelerated regeneration and restoration of its structure. Olive oil has long been used as a base for diluting essential oils. It is valued as a preventive measure; during pregnancy, it is enough to massage problem areas twice a week using this natural product to prepare the skin for future stress and activate collagen production. According to cosmetologists, the only drawback of olive oil is that it is not absorbed into the skin quickly enough.
• Almond oil for stretch marks practically does not cause allergic reactions. The product perfectly rejuvenates, moisturizes and nourishes the skin, stimulates the production of collagen fibers. It has a very light and soft structure, which makes it indispensable for dry and sensitive skin. It can be used either alone or in combination with essential components.
• Coconut oil against stretch marks. For the prevention and control of stretch marks, only cold-pressed oil is suitable. Due to the content of saturated fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, coconut oil has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, maintains its elasticity and turgor, helping to prevent the formation of scars. It is best to combine coconut oil with essential ingredients, adding a few drops of rose or jasmine oil and applying the resulting composition to problem areas after steaming procedures.
• Grape seed oil– an excellent moisturizer and nourisher for the skin, it is rich in fatty acids, vitamins E, F, B, C and tannins. Cosmetologists believe that this is the best oil for stretch marks, it is suitable for all skin types, perfectly saturates with moisture, nourishes, rejuvenates, maintains elasticity, fights sagging and premature aging. The combination of grape seed oil with a few drops of rosemary or rose oil is especially effective in restoring the structure of the skin.
• Peach oil for stretch marks. It has a very light structure, is perfectly absorbed, normalizes metabolic processes, saturates the skin with vitamins A and E, and helps restore its structure. The pleasant aroma of peach oil calms, relaxes and has a beneficial effect on the psycho-emotional state.
• Best suited for the prevention of stretch marks. It contains ingredients that can effectively fight skin aging, nourishes, stimulates regeneration processes, maintains the elasticity and firmness of the skin. This natural product is recommended to be combined with essential oils of mandarin or lavender, using a combined composition for a nightly massage after water treatments.
• Jojoba oil. This product is rich in ceramides - substances that prevent moisture loss. Jojoba oil perfectly restores the structure of the skin if changes are caused by weight fluctuations or hormonal disorders; it is recommended in cases where stretch marks appear on the mammary glands as a result of breastfeeding. The high content of vitamins E and A prevents aging and helps the skin maintain firmness and elasticity. Jojoba oil nourishes, moisturizes, softens the skin, helps restore its elasticity and firmness. This product has a light structure, which allows it to easily penetrate the skin, quickly absorb and promote tissue regeneration.

A wide variety of vegetable oils can effectively eliminate deep skin damage. Which oil helps with stretch marks most effectively? Cosmetologists will help you decide on this issue. After all, in addition to the above varieties, there are many other natural products.

These are oils such as sea buckthorn, flaxseed, pumpkin, or walnut, rose hip, and avocado oil. All of them are able to penetrate into the deep layers of the epidermis, activate cellular metabolic processes, nourish and restore the elasticity of the skin. To achieve the most effective results, regular use is important. The appearance of stretch marks and scars can be avoided if you lightly massage problem areas using your favorite product every day, morning and evening.

Essential oils contain a high concentration of beneficial substances that are essential for maintaining the fat and vitamin balance of the skin. They are not used in pure form, but in small quantities, literally a few drops, added to base vegetable oils. Natural substances act as strengthening components that help improve skin elasticity and firmness. The most popular essential oils are mandarin, orange, rose, lavender, neroli, rosemary, and primrose.

Thus, orange essential oil is more suitable for the prevention of stretch marks; it softens and tones the skin well. Rose essential oil helps to cope with stretch marks that have already appeared, restoring elasticity to the skin, helping to strengthen and restore it. Lavender oil has a preventive and therapeutic effect, tones and accelerates tissue regeneration.

Pharmaceutical oils

The pharmaceutical market offers a wide range of oils based on natural ingredients. They can be purchased at any pharmacy and used for the prevention and treatment of stretch marks. Such cosmetics do not contain artificial flavors or other harmful, toxic additives that negatively affect the body. Many of them are created specifically for pregnant women in order to maintain metabolic processes in tissues and improve skin condition. We list the most popular brands:

Johnson Baby Oil. This product is intended for children, but is also perfect for women, helping to cope with adult problems. The oils of this line are hypoallergenic and safe, which means they are perfect for pregnant women. With regular use, they help prevent the appearance of stretch marks and restore youth and elasticity to the skin.

Bio Oil– an effective remedy for stretch marks that can cope even with old scars. This product contains several active natural oils. One of the advantages is the ability to be quickly absorbed and not leave greasy marks on the body.

Veleda oil is most popular among pregnant women. Cream oil for stretch marks Ideal for repairing damaged skin on the chest, thighs and abdomen. It contains the following medicinal ingredients:

1. Jojoba oil, almond oil
2. Orange blossom and sprouted wheat oil
3. Arnica concentrate, rose
4. Essential oils of sandalwood, myrrh and frankincense

All components have pronounced healing properties, improve skin condition, moisturize, nourish, stimulate regeneration, improve blood circulation, relax and soothe. Veleda oil is recommended by cosmetologists as the most effective preventative against stretch marks.

Price

You can buy pharmaceutical preparations and natural oils at the following prices:

• Veleda oil (100ml) - from 850 to 1300 rubles.
• Bio Oil oil (60ml) - from 500 rub.
• Johnson Baby oil (200 ml) – from 240 rub.
• Almond oil (30ml) – from 70 rub.
• Jojoba oil (10 ml) – from 110 rub.
• Grapeseed oil (30ml) – from 60 rub.
• Rose essential oil (10ml) – from 250 rub.
• Essential lavender oil (10 ml) - from 150 rub.
• Orange essential oil (10 ml) – from 45 rub.

Maria Sokolova

Reading time: 16 minutes

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One of the most “popular” reasons for the formation of stretch marks in women is, as you know, pregnancy. Typically, stretch marks appear in the second trimester of pregnancy (in most expectant mothers or after childbirth due to severe stretching of the skin.

However, it is worth understanding that the appearance of stretch marks is most often associated with genetic characteristics (not all expectant mothers are prone to stretch marks), and with proper self-care, these unsightly “scars” can be completely avoided.

How to choose the right cream for stretch marks during pregnancy?

In the process of bearing a child, significant changes occur in the mother’s body, many of which create the basis for the appearance of “scars”.

Stretch marks - or, as they are called in medicine, stretch marks - are essentially tissue tears(namely, collagen fibers with elastin), appearing in the form of stripes on the skin. They can be of different lengths, depths and widths, and be pink or red in color.

Over time, stretch marks acquire a blue tint, then turn white, and then remain in the form of scars - or, if small in size, become almost invisible.

The main areas of manifestation of stretch marks are the abdomen, chest and thighs with buttocks.

There are many reasons for the appearance of stretch marks, but the main one remains genetic disposition.

In addition, the following factors influence the formation of striae:

• Highly dry skin.
• Rapid weight gain or, conversely, rapid weight loss.
• Hormonal "jumps".
• Prolonged stretching of the skin.
• A small amount of elastin fibers with collagen. The older the expectant mother, the higher the risk of stretch marks.
• Humidity level. The more intensely the collagen fibers are hydrated, the higher their elasticity and the lower the risk of stretch marks.
• Medicines taken.
• Age of the expectant mother.

Many manufacturers promise naive mothers 100% results after using stretch mark cream. But you should understand that no cream gives such guarantees if you are genetically predisposed to the appearance of stretch marks.

However, a woman is quite capable of reducing the risk of their occurrence, or at least reducing the intensity.

Cream for stretch marks - how does it work?

When stretching the skin for a long time, the degree of hydration of the dermal layer of the skin. After all, the full hydration of collagen fibers and, of course, elastin will depend on the presence of moisture in the dermis. Minimal hydration leads to loss of elasticity and, as a result, to the risk of fiber breakage.

The purpose of the stretch mark remedy is...

1. Intensive skin hydration.
2. Acceleration of metabolic processes and blood circulation.
3. Retains moisture in the skin.
4. Increasing elasticity, softness and firmness of the skin.

The composition of the cream for stretch marks - what should it be?

Naturally, first of all, it should include components whose task is intensive skin hydration, deep saturation with moisture and retention of this moisture in the dermis.

• Natural oils – one of the most popular components of the cream. Oils penetrate perfectly through the intercellular substance, but only to the depth of the epidermis (note - they cannot penetrate through water near the basal layer, lacking the ability to dissolve). Oils increase the hydrophobic layer, protect against moisture evaporation, retain water in the dermis, and help increase the number of cells in the epidermis.
• Glycerin and silicones. Components that have properties similar to oils, however, are not capable of nourishing the skin. In addition, long-term use of creams with silicones can lead to certain unpleasant consequences.
• Vitamins. They are necessary in creams to stimulate metabolic processes in the skin, accelerate the maturation of new cells, and increase the hydrophobic properties of the epidermis due to its thickening.
• Hyaluronic acid. A component that works to increase hydration.
• Hydrolyzed proteins. They also work in the epidermis to retain moisture.
• Retinol *** . Needed to stimulate skin regeneration, heal weakened epidermis, activate the synthesis of components that are responsible for improving skin elasticity.
• Plant extracts. Safe and effective components with various properties.
• Essential oils. Needed to increase skin elasticity and metabolism, nutrition, care. For example, jojoba or shea butter, wheat germ oil or apricot kernel oil.
• Elastin with collagen. One of the most important components responsible for the elasticity of fabrics.
• Algae extracts. Needed to enhance the regeneration of weakened or damaged areas of the skin, to nourish it, and to accelerate metabolic processes.
• Antioxidants.

*** It is worth noting that there is two types of retinol: fat-soluble vitamin A - and water-soluble provitamin A, a carotenoid .

If a person receives a fat-soluble vitamin from products of animal origin, from which it is immediately absorbed by the body, then the carotenoid supplied with vegetables, fruits and herbs is absorbed only after it is processed in the human gastrointestinal tract and converted into ready-made vitamin A.

Consequently, an overdose of vitamin A is possible only when it is consumed in a fat-soluble form, and in the case of a carotenoid, an overdose is practically impossible - the body absorbs it as much as required and no more.

An overdose of this vitamin is especially likely if a pregnant woman uses it in the form of a pharmaceutical oil solution - or when using cosmetics containing pure vitamin A, retinol, for a long time.

What are the dangers of retinol during pregnancy?

1. Teratogenic effect on the internal organs of the fetus - kidneys, liver, heart. A child may be born with pathology in the development of these organs.
2. Negative effect on the central nervous system and brain of the fetus.
3. Causes pathologies in the development of the child’s limbs.
4. Excess vitamin A leads to improper development of the genital organs of the unborn child.
5. Chronic overdose of vitamin A causes vitamin D deficiency.

But it is also worth understanding that fears of overdosing on vitamin A should not lead to the other extreme - complete exclusion of it from the diet of a pregnant woman. The lack of this vitamin entails even more serious consequences for the mother and unborn child.

There is only one way out- Take vitamin A only with food, focusing on freshly prepared and raw vegetables and fruits. Any vitamin intake should be agreed with your doctor. During pregnancy, it is better not to use cosmetics containing pure retinol - Look for carotenoids on pregnancy product labels, but not retinol. . Trust only certified products, buying them in specialized stores or pharmacies.

It is worth remembering that the daily requirement of vitamin A for a pregnant woman is 2500-3200 IU. It is this norm that must be relied upon when choosing a menu and vitamin complexes for pregnant women.

Cream for stretch marks - rules for choosing wisely:

• Hypoallergenic composition! One of the most important rules of choice is the absence of “harmful chemicals” in your cream. That is, the absence of parabens, fragrances and dyes, and also, preferably, silicones. Remember that the components of the product can penetrate into the blood and be transmitted to the baby.
• Cream for use after childbirth or during pregnancy? These are 2 different groups of products with different compositions - warning stretch marks or masking them. The first products are used during pregnancy to significantly increase skin elasticity and prevent the appearance of stretch marks. After childbirth, the skin should return to its original state. And the second option should help reduce the intensity of stretch marks that appear after childbirth, make them less noticeable, and lighten them. In addition, there are universal remedies used in both periods.
• Allergy test. This is a mandatory measure to avoid unpleasant consequences associated with individual intolerance to the components. First, smell the cream and apply a drop of the product to a sensitive area of ​​the skin. If there is no negative reaction, use it.
• Best before date. Naturally, it should not be violated.
• Period of use. Read the instructions carefully! If the cream is intended for use after childbirth, then it makes no sense to use it during pregnancy (and vice versa). The specific period of use is also important - for example, “only from the 2nd trimester until childbirth.”
• Harm to the components of the cream for the fetus. Everyone knows that the baby’s organs in the womb are formed during different periods of pregnancy. And the effect of specific components of cosmetics can become dangerous for the baby’s health and development. In particular, some essential oils can cause serious problems with their constant use (this applies to creams, massages, baths and wraps). Read the ingredients and do not neglect the instructions. In addition, it is important to consult your doctor in a timely manner about the use of a particular product.
• Regular cream during pregnancy or a special remedy for stretch marks? A traditional moisturizer for an expectant mother is, of course, better than nothing (if it has a safe composition). But stretch mark cream doesn't just moisturize the skin - it helps increase its elasticity and protects against weakening of collagen fibers. The choice is obvious.

10 best creams for preventing stretch marks in pregnant women

Today, the shelves of cosmetic stores are practically filled with products created to prevent stretch marks.

How to choose “the one”, your remedy that will really help?

1. Consider the condition of your skin, age, and allergies to specific components.
2. Study the composition of the cream - the presence of useful components (their order in the list of ingredients; the closer to the beginning of the list, the greater the percentage of the component in the composition), the presence of harmful components, the presence of components responsible for the strength of collagen fibers.
3. Study the reviews of expectant mothers on the selected cream.
4. Find a sample of the product - do an allergy test.
5. Evaluate the smell of the cream. It may be too intense, and you may need to use it every day throughout your pregnancy.
6. Read the instructions! If you are pregnant, look for a cream that is used specifically during pregnancy, and not after childbirth, otherwise you simply will not be able to assess its effectiveness.

And, of course, consult your doctor!

Here are the most effective remedies for stretch marks, according to future and established mothers:

Cream Sanosan

Cream Mama comfort

Hendel`s Garden pomegranate emulsion

Avent cream

Vichy cream

Cream Clearvin

Of course, the list of products in this TOP 10 is not exhaustive - there are other effective creams.

Stretch marks or stretch marks are perhaps the most unpleasant skin problem, which is very difficult to eliminate. This is why it is so important and necessary to constantly care for your skin and take preventive measures. One of the most effective preventive remedies for stretch marks are vegetable and essential oils, because they are considered a natural source of moisturizing and nutritional components, thereby helping to increase the firmness and elasticity of the skin, and also supply it with essential vitamins and nutrients.

The advantage of oils against the appearance, and not rarely and treatment, of stretch marks is undeniable, because their composition is completely natural and full of useful ingredients. They can be used either separately or in combination with each other and with essential components. In the treatment and prevention of stretch marks, oils are used in different variations: in compresses, wraps, masks, in their pure form.

The most effective fatty oils in the treatment and prevention of stretch marks are considered to be jojoba, wheat germ, cocoa, flaxseed, coconut, olive, almond, kelp and others. Their systematic use significantly improves skin quality, such as firmness and elasticity, which prevents internal skin tears. It is not recommended to use sea buckthorn oil for these purposes due to its ability to dry out the skin.

Method of using oils against stretch marks in their pure form.
Apply the oil to damp skin (preferably after a shower), without rubbing, for five to seven minutes. After this, remove excess oil with a soft cloth using blotting movements. To increase efficiency, fatty oils are combined with essential oils. Jojoba, avocado, wheat germ, and macadamia oils are most suitable for the base of mixtures. It is not recommended to use essential oils in their pure form due to the fact that they are highly concentrated. You can get a skin burn. The basis can also be kefir, seaweed, yogurt, blue clay, cottage cheese, medicinal mud, honey. Typically, take three to five drops of essential oil per 10 ml of base.

Essential oils stimulate blood circulation and blood flow in tissues, reduce the formation of edema, help increase muscle tone, firmness and elasticity of the skin, and stimulate regenerative processes. In addition, procedures with them additionally have a relaxing effect, relieve tension, fatigue, and stress.

The most effective essential oils in the fight against stretch marks are:

• orange - increases tone, has a softening effect;
• lemon – stimulates blood flow to areas of stretch marks or areas of expected formation of stretch marks, cleanses the keratinized layer of cells;
• lavender – has a relaxing effect on muscles, evens out skin texture;
• pink is an excellent helper in the fight against stretch marks, has a relaxing effect, increases the elasticity and firmness of the skin;
• neroli - normalizes skin pigmentation, strengthens, prevents the formation of stretch marks;
• tangerine – increases skin elasticity, fights stretch marks;
• jasmine – gives tone, fights stretch marks, has a lifting effect.

Olive oil for stretch marks.
Olive oil is most often used to get rid of and prevent stretch marks due to its availability. Of course, it cannot completely eliminate stretch marks that have appeared, but as a preventive measure it is quite effective. In addition, it is an excellent base for diluting essential oils. To prevent stretch marks, for example, during pregnancy, it is enough to massage with olive oil three times a week in problem areas (thighs, abdomen, buttocks). This procedure stimulates collagen production and also prepares the skin for future stress.

Almond oil for stretch marks.
It also stimulates the production of collagen fibers in the skin. It can be used either alone or in combination with essential components. Every day after a shower, apply the mixture to problem areas, and after five to seven minutes remove excess with a paper napkin. The effect of cleansing with a coffee or honey scrub before using the oil or mixture will enhance the effect.

Coconut oil for stretch marks.
This oil (only first cold pressed) is an excellent source of saturated fatty acids, therefore it is considered an effective means of preventing stretch marks, of various natures, and their prevention. For 100 ml of coconut oil melted in a water bath, take five drops of jasmine and rose oil. The mixture must be applied to problem areas after taking steaming procedures.

Cocoa butter for stretch marks.
Before use, also scrub steamed skin. Combine 50 ml cocoa butter (pre-melt) with 10 drops of orange oil. You can add two tablespoons of olive oil to the recipe.

Jojoba oil for stretch marks.
For 30 ml of oil, take two drops of lavender, clove and mint oil, and also add 4 drops of geranium oil. Apply the composition to clean, steamed skin, on problem areas twice a week.

Grapeseed oil for stretch marks.
It is an excellent means of moisturizing and nourishing the skin. In the fight against stretch marks, the following recipe is effective: for 40 ml of oil, take two drops of rose oil and eight drops of rosemary oil. Use the mixture daily, after an evening shower. The procedure improves the condition of the skin and stimulates an increase in its elasticity.

Castor oil for stretch marks.
Effective as wraps and recommended for use in its pure form. Pre-heat a little oil in a water bath, massage problem areas with it for five minutes, then wrap in cling film and lie under a blanket for half an hour. Next, remove the remaining oil with a napkin.

Wheat germ oil for stretch marks.
To 50 ml of oil add a mixture of tangerine, lavender and neroli oils, taken two drops each. Use the composition as a massage oil, immediately after taking a bath, rub into problem areas with lightly pinching movements.

Oil recipes for stretch marks.
To reduce stretch marks and smooth them out: combine 10 teaspoons of almond oil with five drops of lavender oil. Use twice a week, applying to problem areas.

In the fight against stretch marks, as well as to tone the skin, it is effective to use a mixture of 30 ml of any fatty oil (olive, almond, peach, etc.), two drops of lavender, neroli oils and one drop of orange. Apply in the morning after showering.

And apply this anti-stretch mark lotion with a cotton pad twice a day only to the area of ​​stretch marks immediately after a shower: combine a tablespoon of olive oil with frankincense, neroli, lavender oil, taken two drops each.

This recipe against stretch marks is best used at night, it also has a relaxing effect: combine 30 ml of almond oil with avocado and wheat germ, taken 15 ml each, add four drops of neroli and two drops each of incense, rosemary, lavender.

To treat old stretch marks: mix 9 tablespoons of olive oil with a tablespoon of wheat germ oil and add fifteen drops of rose oil. Lubricate problem areas daily after an evening shower.

To prevent stretch marks: enrich 30 ml of jojoba oil with four drops of geranium oil, add two drops each of clove, lavender and mint oils. Apply the mixture to problem areas every day.

Baths with oils against stretch marks.
Baths with the addition of essential oils are relevant for large areas of skin affected by striae. Before adding oils to water, they should be combined with an emulsifier, which can be bath salts, milk, or honey. After taking a bath, you should not dry your skin with a towel; it is important to let it dry on its own. The procedure can be performed three times a week for no more than fifteen minutes. For 10 liters of water, take one drop of the essential component.

Bath oil mixture recipes.
For the morning procedure: add three drops of orange oil, two drops of petitgrain and one drop of verbena to 20 ml of wheat germ oil.

For an evening bath: add three drops of lavender, two drops of mint and one drop of rose to 20 ml of peach oil.

Wraps with oils against stretch marks.
Essential oils give an excellent effect in compositions for wraps (chocolate, algae, honey, clay, etc.). For example, you can enrich ready-made micronized algae with two drops of neroli essential oil. For wraps, you can also use fatty oils mixed with essential oils.

Recipe for a wrapping mixture against stretch marks: mix 40 ml of olive oil (can be almond or wheat germ) with two drops of lavender oil and add one drop each of lemon and neroli. Apply the mixture to the stretch marks, wrap in cling film, and insulate (you can cover yourself with a blanket and lie down) for half an hour.

Oil compresses against stretch marks on the chest.
Combine two drops of rose oil with a drop of neroli and the same amount of petitgrain. Dilute the mixture with a glass of water. Next, moisten a gauze cloth in the resulting mixture and apply a compress to the stretch mark area for half an hour. This procedure can be done up to four times a week.

Precautionary measures.
If you have an individual intolerance to any essential oil, you should avoid using it. Before using any mixture, it is recommended to test on the inside of your elbow or behind your ear. Apply a small amount of the composition to the indicated area and observe for 24 hours. If unpleasant symptoms appear, wash off the composition and do not use it.